Why Getting A 30% VA Rating Matters

For many military veterans, securing a 30% VA disability rating or higher can make a huge difference, not only in monthly benefits but also in the long-term support they receive. Although a 10% or 20% rating provides some compensation, many veterans could and should qualify for a 30% rating, which can open the door to additional benefits, especially for those with dependents.

How a 30% VA Rating Impacts Your Disability Benefits

It’s true that any increase in your VA disability rating results in a higher monthly benefit. The VA’s compensation schedule pays more to those with higher ratings, so military veterans with a 20% rating receive more than those with a 10%, and so on. However, the 30% mark is critical because it’s not just a disability percentage; it’s a threshold. Veterans with a 30% rating or higher receive additional compensation for dependents, meaning that those with families see a direct financial benefit. 

If you’re currently rated at 10% or 20%, the VA compensates you as a single veteran, regardless of whether you have a spouse, children, or other dependents. This means that a veteran with a 10% rating and no children receives the same monthly compensation rate as someone with a 10% rating and multiple dependents. But once you reach 30%, the VA’s formula changes, factoring dependents into your benefits calculation. This can result in a substantial increase in monthly disability compensation, particularly for veterans with families.

Why Pushing for a 30% Rating Is Worthwhile

If you’re rated at 10% or 20% but believe your disability qualifies for a higher rating, pursuing a 30% rating can provide benefits that go beyond just the base increase in compensation rate. Here are some reasons why it may be worth seeking a 30% or higher rating:

• Dependent Benefits: A 30% rating unlocks additional disability compensation for dependents, which can make a significant financial difference if you have a spouse or children.
• Future Medical Costs: Higher ratings often correlate with additional VA support and access to medical services, including coverage for secondary conditions that arise as a result of your primary disability.
• Service-Connected Disability Rating Revaluation: If your current disability rating is low, there may be grounds for a re-evaluation, particularly if your service-connected condition has worsened over time or was inaccurately rated in the first place.

Other Direct and Secondary Conditions and Combined Ratings

If you’re unable to achieve a 30% rating on a single disability alone, there’s still ways to reach this benchmark by applying for other disabilities, whether directly related to service or a secondary service-connected disability. An example of a secondary disability would be if a back injury led to chronic pain and depression, the depression may be considered a secondary condition. If the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) connects this secondary condition to your primary disability, it can increase your overall rating. The same is true with any other disability that you prove is directly related to service.

When you have multiple service-connected disabilities, the VA calculates a combined rating using a specific formula, sometimes referred to as “VA math.” While this disability calculator can be complicated, the goal is to account for the impact of multiple conditions. If your combined rating reaches 30%, even if no single service-connected condition is rated at that level, you’ll still qualify for dependent compensation.

What to Do If You Believe Your Disability Percentage Is Too Low

If you think your current disability rating does not fully reflect your medical condition, or if you’ve been denied a higher rating, you have options:

• Appeal for a Higher Disability Rating: If VA last rated the disability within one year, that decision is still eligible for an appeal. If favorably decided, the increase may go back to the date you filed for service connection or the last increase.
• File for an Increase: If the last VA decision establishing the disability rating was more than one year ago, you can still file a claim for an increased rating if your service-connected condition has worsened or was previously rated too low.
• Provide Supporting Evidence: Detailed medical records, doctor’s notes, and direct evidence of how your disability impacts daily life can strengthen your case.
• Seek Legal Representation: Handling VA disability claims and appeals can be complicated. Working with a VA-accredited attorney can improve your chances of securing the rating you deserve.

What Happens If My Disabilities Combine To 30% But None Are Rated 30% Individually?

Even if no single disability reaches a 30% rating, you may still qualify for increased benefits if your combined rating totals 30% or higher. For example, if you have three separate disabilities rated at 10% each, or one rated at 20% and another at 10%, the VA’s combined rating system could push your overall rating above 30%.

Once your overall rating reaches 30%, the VA will factor in any dependents (such as a spouse or children) and provide additional monthly compensation for them. This combined approach ensures that eligible veterans with multiple, lower-rated conditions can still receive support based on the cumulative impact on their health and ability to work.

How Do I Know If My Rating Is Too Low?  

You may feel your rating is too low if your symptoms interfere with daily activities, require ongoing medical treatment, or limit your ability to work. Other signs include needing regular medication, therapy, or frequent doctor visits due to the condition.

Often, the Department of Veterans Affairs may underrate conditions due to lack of complete medical documentation or failure to consider all symptoms. If you suspect your rating is too low, it’s beneficial to consult with a VA-accredited attorney or claims agent. They can review your case, gather relevant medical evidence, and help you pursue an increase if warranted. Working with an experienced attorney often improves the chances of a higher rating that better reflects the impact of your disability.

What If My Condition Worsens After My Initial Rating?  

If your condition worsens over time, you have the right to file a claim for an increased rating. The VA understands that some service-connected disabilities can deteriorate, resulting in more severe symptoms or new limitations. 

When you file for an increase in rating (and disability income), you’ll need to provide additional evidence that shows how your condition has changed. This can include recent doctor’s evaluations, diagnostic tests, treatment records, and statements detailing how the condition now impacts your life. If the VA agrees that your condition has worsened, they may increase your rating accordingly, which would raise your monthly compensation and potentially open access to other disability benefits.

Will Receiving A 30% Rating Affect Other Benefits?  

Yes, receiving a 30% rating can open up additional benefits beyond monthly compensation. For example:

• Health Care Access: A higher rating can qualify disabled veterans for priority access to VA healthcare services. You may receive expanded care options, including mental health services, physical therapy, and specialized medical treatments.
• State Benefits: Many states offer additional benefits to disabled veterans with ratings of 30% or higher. These can include property tax exemptions, reduced or free hunting and fishing licenses, and access to specific veterans’ assistance programs.
• Dependent Compensation: A 30% rating allows the VA to provide additional monthly compensation for dependents, such as a spouse or children. This can be especially valuable for eligible veterans with families, as it provides extra financial support.

Check with your local VA office for specific benefits available at the 30% level and in Georgia. If you’re close to qualifying for a 30% rating (or a higher degree of disability), pursuing an increase can make a meaningful difference in your financial and healthcare support.

Questions? Speak to a Georgia Veterans Benefits Attorney

Pursuing a 30% VA disability rating can be worth the effort for many veterans. It not only increases monthly compensation but also provides added support for dependent children and access to other VA resources. If you believe you qualify for a higher rating or have questions about your current disability claim, the skilled lawyers at Perkins Studdard can help guide you through the process and push for the benefits you deserve. To schedule a no-obligation consultation, please call 770-285-1198.